Germany’s Scholz wants new EU anti-deforestation law delayed

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🗞️ Driving the news: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has urged the delay of the EU's new anti-deforestation law, which aims to block products linked to deforestation from entering the EU market
• Scholz's call comes after German publishers lobbied against the law, citing impractical requirements and bureaucratic burdens
• The regulation, set to take effect in December, has drawn criticism from EU trade partners and industries for its complexity

🔭 The context: The EU Deforestation Regulation targets products like wood, soy, palm oil, and coffee, requiring companies to prove they aren’t linked to deforested land
• Critics, including Brazil and Malaysia, argue the rules could harm small farmers and disrupt trade
European businesses are also seeking more time to prepare traceability and compliance systems

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The regulation is a key step in combating global deforestation, crucial for biodiversity and climate change mitigation
• Delaying its implementation could slow down efforts to reduce the environmental impact of supply chains

⏭️ What's next: The European Commission must decide whether to proceed with the current timeline or consider revisions and delays in response to mounting pressure from industries and political leaders

💬 One quote: “To be clear: the regulation must be practicable,” Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized in his call for a delay

📈 One stat: The EU anti-deforestation law targets seven key commodities—cattle, wood, palm oil, soy, coffee, cocoa, and rubber—accounting for 26% of global deforestation linked to agricultural expansion

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